Dodgers News: Dave Roberts Still Debating Julio Urias’ Near Future

Will Julio Urias start the season in the rotation? The minors? Extended spring training? Dave Roberts doesn’t have an answer just yet.

Urias made his spring debut Tuesday, allowing a run and striking out two in a 14-pitch first inning. In an interview with Andy McCullough of the Los Angeles Times, Roberts said there’s ongoing internal discussion regarding Urias.

“You guys want to know, Julio wants to know and we really want to know a decision, too,” Roberts said. “But I think that we’re really not trying to act too quickly. As you see, we’ve been very cautious … “We have conversations all the time and try to make him understand that it’s not an easy situation. He’s a special person and pitcher. So we’re really trying to be methodical about what’s best for him and what’s best for us.”

#Dodgers Dave Roberts joked about Julio Urias going 1 IP then 1 in bullpen: "I guess he wanted to be on a Clayton Kershaw program"

The Dodgers want Urias available for the playoffs. Fortunately, the team is so deep in rotation options, it can afford to skip starts. Alex Wood, Ross Stripling, Brock Stewart, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Brandon McCarthy, Scott Kazmir and Trevor Oaks are all vying for starts. Each could have an opportunity depending on how Roberts elects to manage Urias and Kenta Maeda.

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Gabe Burns is an award-winning journalist. He serves as a reporter and editor at the DodgersNation news desk. He additionally works as editor-in-chief of The Spectator, Valdosta State University's student paper. Gabe's work has been featured on a number of platforms, including Draft Breakdown and Pro Football Spot. His byline has been cited in media such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Aside from covering Dodgers baseball, Gabe enjoys watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic and Tampa Bay Lightning. He can be followed on Twitter at @GabeBurns_DN.